Voice Lessons in Downers Grove, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

The moment when a students finally understands a difficult concept, succeeds at a performance, masters a new technique, or has an amazing breakthrough is why I teach. I love to see the joy in the students faces and see how proud they are when they accomplish the tasks at hand. I like to reward and acknowledge successes because a student who feels successful has a higher chance of being successful. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students, I select a method book that will be best for the individual student. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for a recital performance. For voice students, I use the bel canto style of singing. Students will learn proper technique through vocal exercises and solo repertoire. We will focus on breathing, intonation, vowel formation, and posture among many other things. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I started teaching private voice lessons during my first year of college in 2012. I enjoy prepping students for auditions as well as teaching proper warmups. One of the techniques that helped me the most at a young age was learning how to support my voice with my breath. Breath makes a huge difference in vocal quality and the correct breathing methods can become second nature after working on breathing exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I build each lesson around the needs of each student and what they would like to accomplish. I help them set reasonable practice and achievement goals. If there is a style of music they would like to learn or a particular song, I try to fit it in with the lesson and use it as a teaching tool as well. Proper technique is the foundation for exceptional performance. I spend at least 5-10 minutes each lesson on technique. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

A native of Seattle, Christine began her musical studies as a classically-trained trumpet player. Moving to Chicago and collaborating with jazz colleagues led her to pursuing a master’s degree in vocal jazz. She was accepted into one of the nation’s leading jazz institutions, the University of North Texas. There she focused on her new passion for singing, honing her skills in piano, songwriting, arranging, and improvisation. Since completing her master’s, Christine has enjoyed teaching piano, voice, trumpet, and theory to students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. Read More